Dunstan High School’s (DHS) girls' first XV rugby team won the Central Otago title for the third year running, beating rivals Cromwell College in a hard-fought final, 27 points to 19.

Matt Fowler has coached the team for the past five seasons, for four of those with the support of fellow parent and former Black Fern Fiona King, who was in the 1998 and 2002 world cup winning team.

He said the team’s response at the final whistle was emotional and awesome.

“I was looking around seeing everyone hugging, big smiles, the tears . . . [there was] even a tear in my eye.”

Matt said he was proud of the squad of 30 students for their dedication, and over the course of his tenure he had a lot of enjoyment watching the girls develop from Year 9 to become happy in sports and confident on the field. 

Team captains Madie Hill (left) and Kyra Fowler with the trophy.

The secret of the team’s success was the inclusive team culture, based on a “no pressure” approach, ensuring younger players were slowly included and happy in the group.

When Matt started, he said the team didn’t have much and it was hard to get them up a level.

“We trained twice a week, so trained for an hour and a half on Monday, played on Wednesdays, then had another light training on Thursday.

“With games on Wednesdays, I’d finish work at 3pm and sometimes get home at 10pm.”

Despite the time commitment he said it was “a joy to have kids like this” to coach.

The team put out the challenge before the final. 

This year training was scaled back to only Mondays, but the team’s results were impressive - as far as Matt knows no other school has won the girls competition three times in a row.

“It was such a team effort, they worked really hard together.

"To hold Cromwell scoreless in the second half was amazing.”

A team effort in a scrum from the final game.

The coaching team of Matt and Fiona assisted the school to introduce caps for players four years ago, with equality top-of-mind, the girls need to match the boys first XV requirements to be capped.

“It’s not easy to earn your cap, they have to have 15 games as a starter and 20 games in total.”

For boys due to a higher number of games each season many get their cap in two years of playing. 

“If the girls play every single game, they might be able to get it in their third year, most get it in their fourth year. That means they need to stick it out until Year 13.”

Matt said he was especially proud of seeing how many girls are coming through and getting a cap.

“In the last game Lucy Ross earned hers, that means we’ve had 16 caps so far.

Captain Madie Hill said every team member would say it’s a pretty epic feeling being able to play a home final in front of your family and friends and win for the third year in a row.

"The hard work and determination our team showed throughout the game made winning that much sweeter. I couldn’t be more proud of the performance the girls presented...and I look forward to seeing what we as a team can accomplish in the 2025 season."

Madie also thanked the coaching team of Matt, Fiona and Mouse, along with team manager Tash Kane for their support and commitment, resulting in every game of rugby being a fun and a challenge.

Many of the girls have continued to play rugby locally, in Dunedin and in representative teams once finishing at DHS. 

Matt said it will be sad to leave, but the team will be in good hands next season as Mouse O’Neill will be coaching, building on the assistance he gave the team this year. 

Matt thanked the team’s main sponsor Laser Electrical and Plumbing for sponsoring the team’s jerseys and long jackets, crucial for substitute players to keep warm in freezing conditions while on the sidelines. 

Next year Matt plans to lace up his boots again and play for a full season as a flanker for a Bluff presidents' team.

“My wife thinks I’m crazy . . . but I’ve still got passion for the game.”

PHOTOS: Susan Church